Music lecturer Liam Maloy has previously responded to accusations that the degree is a “waste of time” and an “easy option” for students by pledging that the course will be “will be academically rigorous”, adding that, “In the past, heavy metal has not been taken seriously and is seen as lacking academic credibility when compared with other genres such as jazz and classical music. But that’s just a cultural construction.”

Find out what else he had to say on the course – which has so far signed up more than 20 students at a cost of £5,750 each per year – below:

A two-year foundation degree in heavy metal being offered by New College Nottingham has been labelled as an “easy option” and a qualification that would “lack weight” in finding work by education campaigners.

The degree, which was developed by music lecturer Liam Maloy and will teach students about a range of subjects including the composition of heavy metal and its effect on popular culture, film and even video games, is planned to start this September, despite causing some controversy amongst critics who feel it isn’t a degree that can be taken seriously when it comes to looking for work.

Could we soon be seeing whole modules dedicated to Maiden and Sabbath?

“There are too many degrees being offered that lack credibility in the marketplace,” says Chris McGovern, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education.

“I suspect that may be the case with this course, unless you want to be a heavy metal star, in which case why would you need a degree in the subject? It might seem an attractive, easy option to some people. But you don’t need to do a degree in heavy metal. It’s a waste of time.”

“It’s a degree, so it will be academically rigorous,” counters Liam Maloy. “In the past, heavy metal has not been taken seriously and is seen as lacking academic credibility when compared with other genres such as jazz and classical music. But that’s just a cultural construction.”

Revolution Harmony, a new project dreamt up by music lecturer and journalist Ray Holroyd, will release a special charity single featuring System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian, Devin Townsend and former Emperor frontman Ihsahn on July 18.

All proceeds from the single, titled We Are, will be donated to Buskaid, a charity that provides free music lessons and instruments to children in the townships of South Africa.

“It has been an absolute honour being involved with the Revolution Harmony project to bring much needed financial aid to Buskaid in South Africa,” says Serj. “Music has saved my life and has the potential to create positive change in all those young kids struggling to make themselves heard and to survive.” He continues on the single itself: “The song is a musical collage of complex yet moving colours intertwining genres and vibes.”

“Revolution Harmony is a dream come true, it’s the perfect harmonious marriage of my two callings: making music and making a positive change in the world!,” adds Ray. “We Are is the first milestone for Revolution Harmony, and to share it with three of my musical heroes, Serj, Ihsahn and Devin, who all believe in my vision, is deeply heartwarming and humbling. These musicians are overflowing with talent and compassion, and I am eternally grateful and monumentally honoured to have had them contribute to my cause by singing and playing on a piece of my music. The goal for these All-Star charity singles is to raise significant funds for various smaller charities, by making/selling creative and meaningful music that features rare collaborations by inspirational artists.”